Drug Rehabilitation Program

A drug rehabilitation program is a necessary step for those who are addicted to alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications. Under the care and guidance of medical staff and trained counseling professionals, the addicted individual can be evaluated and begin a detoxification program to rid the body of the poisons that it has come to rely on to function. Few people are able to simply quit taking their drug-of-choice because of physiological reasons. The person's body craves the drink, aches for the high, longs for the effect that comes with giving in to the powerful addiction. Without it, the addicted person may shake, sweat, or experience even worse symptoms of withdrawal. A detoxification/withdrawal program is most safely accomplished under the guidance and supervision of medical professionals. Addicted individuals may need other medications or even intravenous fluids to help them through the process. For addicted persons, a drug rehabilitation program can be a lifesaver. Knowing that help is needed is the first step to recovery. Finding the most effective program is an important second step.

A wide range of programs exist across the country to help people recover from their addictions. Many rely on what has become known as the twelve-step recovery program or philosophy. This particular philosophy was popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous and is a template for many other programs. Where the twelve-step philosophy relies on a higher power, a Christian-based drug rehabilitation program names relies on God's healing power to help those with addiction recover from their pain. The apostle Paul wrote: "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled" (Colossians 1:12-13,21). Effective programs look beyond the addiction to the underlying issues that caused the person to turn to drugs in the first place. For many people, alcohol and drugs mask the suffering of painful memories. Others begin experimenting with illegal substances such as cocaine or methamphetamines (crystal meth) to fit in with the crowd. Before long, this caving in to peer pressure led to an addiction that was out of control and perhaps led to the usage of even worse substances, such as heroin.

Some clinics specialize in treating a particular type of addiction. For example, a drug rehabilitation program for crystal meth focuses primarily on addicts who use this dangerous substance. Other programs may focus primarily on treating alcoholics. However, there are many clinics and treatment centers that don't specialize, but provide assistance to individuals whatever their addiction may be. Similarly, some treatment centers cater to specific demographic groups. For example, a center may be exclusively for women or only accept teenagers. These centers are especially set up to meet the unique needs of their targeted clientele. A teen treatment center, for instance, will have medical personnel and counselors who are especially trained to work with the developing bodies and immaturities of individuals who aren't yet adults. Women's physiological needs and emotional makeup are much different from that of men. A center that caters only to women may provide additional services that won't be available at centers that offer services to the general population. Each addicted person should research the available options to find the drug rehabilitation program that will best meet his or her individual needs.

Effective programs often offer treatment options that blend traditional methods with a holistic approach. This usually means that the addicted individual is evaluated and presented with a personalized plan that is especially created to address emotional, mental, physiological, and spiritual needs. Group therapy sessions should be augmented with individual counseling. Services may also be offered to family members, perhaps individually or with the patient. An innovative drug rehabilitation program may offer additional therapies that tap into the addicted person's creativity. Perhaps the recovering addict is encouraged to paint or to participate in pottery workshops. Some residential treatment centers are located in beautiful natural settings that nurture the spirit. The beauty of the surroundings creates serenity and nourishes the soul. Communing with God in the beauty of His creation can help restore a person both emotionally and spiritually.

Several factors should be considered when evaluating a drug rehabilitation program. As already discussed, the individual needs to decide between a general treatment center and one that caters to a particular demographic. The staff/patient ratio should be considered and, especially for residential programs, the prospective client will want to know the credentials of the medical staff. People of faith will definitely want to research programs that offer a Biblical approach to healing and long-term recovery. Another factor is the number of graduates from the center and its success rate. Many centers offer aftercare support systems and relapse prevention programs. These can be important elements to long-term healing. Kicking alcoholism and drug addictions is difficult work. The addicted individual needs as much compassion and support as possible from family, friends, clinic staff, and counselors. But with supervised detoxification, effective therapy sessions (both individual and group), and additional holistic techniques, the addicted person can leave his destructive path behind. A better future awaits the individual who is committed to healthy alternatives for handling past suffering, peer pressure, and stress. An innovative and effective drug rehabilitation program is a needed element for that better future.

A drug addiction treatment center may be needed for those who struggle with the crippling effects of chronic substance abuse. Drug addiction is not an easy thing to face, especially if it is effecting the entire family. Fortunately, there is help and many of today's programs are specialized in individual care, giving each person the best opportunity to meet with success. The personal case management offered by most facilities creates a therapeutic approach to meeting the needs of each patient, recognizing that every individual comes with a unique history, unique chemical make-up, and unique dreams and goals for life.

Most facilities that offer help for addictive behaviors will utilize some form of case management. A case manager will evaluate the drug addict as a person, needing an individualized care program. A drug addiction treatment center should provide in written form a step by step process that has been planned for the patient. The patient should have the ability to agree with the methods chosen and have input, helping to create the best possible approach. Research is proving that when patients have input and take responsibility with a team in implementing the program the chances for success are much greater. This, of course, is only possible if the patient recognizes that there is a problem with substance abuse. The first step that a drug addiction treatment program will take is in having the patient recognize and admit that he or she needs help and support in getting control of the addiction.

When looking for a facility that will meet the many needs of addicts, it will be important to get a fair amount of research accomplished first. Some, though not all, drug addiction treatment center programs will only take a patient as long as the insurance is covering all costs. This could mean that patients are released before they are in a position to take control of their lives again. Talk with intake counselors about how dismissals are determined and what drug addiction treatment program can offer after-care, in case of dismissal. Also, ask to speak with a case manager or presiding doctor before admitting a loved one. Make sure that the team working with a family member of close friend is a team that shows compassion and motivation in reaching goals.

It's hard to process that someone close may struggle with an addiction problem. If sensing that a loved one could be abusing drugs at an addictive level, investigate further. Have information on hand about a drug addiction treatment center, even information regarding a drug addiction treatment program that is an out-patient program. But, if the person in question is not ready to admit the need for help, families and loved ones can turn to God in prayer who knows and sees all. "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." (Psalm 91:4) Praying that the addict realize his or her problem with abusing a substance is a good prayer, asking God to use the situation to His glory.

Drug Rehabilitation Centers

Choosing between the various drug rehabilitation centers in the United States can be an incredibly painful and difficult process. But, if an addiction to an illicit substance has begun to affect a person's life, then choosing the right center may also be one of the most important decisions ever made. However, the most difficult step of the process may have already been taken: recognizing addiction symptoms and realizing that a problem exists. Specific addictions have unique signs and symptoms, but there are some characteristics general to all drugs. A person may feel the need to have the substance on a regular or daily basis. Therefore, they make efforts to maintain a supply and can't stop using the drug. An addiction may lead to unusual behavior, such as stealing. Like alcohol, some people feel they need to take substance in order to cope with life or problems. Recognizing the problem may be easy. Unfortunately, giving up the substance may be difficult to do without assistance from others. Kicking an addiction takes a team effort. Therefore, family, friends and co-workers must provide the support and encouragement needed to get the person started in a treatment program.

For the most part, drug rehabilitation centers are expensive, and there are no guarantees that treatment will work. Keep a few things in mind. Intervention and treatment of the addiction must begin early. Catching the problem early increases the chances of successfully treating the addiction. All addictions are different, so treatment must be tailored to the person's needs. Successful treatment must be intensive and micro-managed from beginning to end. A treatment program must also support and monitor recovery. Coping skills must be taught to educate the individual how to deal with stressful situations. Individual or family counseling may prevent a relapse to illicit use. Self-help and support groups may also prevent relapse. Counselors and therapists who bond with the patient or client are more successful. And the patient must be motivated to shed the addiction.

Keep in mind, all drug rehabilitation centers are not the same. Treatment philosophies differ, so different facilities will have their own program options. Staff size and quality will differ from center to center, too. And the cost and effectiveness will also vary. Ask questions when researching rehab centers. Also, look for centers that are medically based. These types of facilities staff doctors and nurses around the clock to ensure safe withdrawal. Drug rehabilitation centers may include inpatient, outpatient, or short-term services. According to one online source, inpatient centers are provided by licensed hospitals. Obviously the length of treatment and stay in an inpatient facility will be determined by the severity of the addiction. But there are many more factors that determine the success of drug rehabilitation centers. Personal characteristics of the addict play the largest part in the success of any treatment program.

People who are addicted to drugs must also address the other health issues. This includes spiritual health. A person whose life is so consumed and driven by illicit substances must turn to the Lord for complete healing to take place. An addict may not be able to find this guidance on their own. Therefore, early intervention by a friend or family member may be needed. Recovering from an addiction is an arduous task. Recovery takes place gradually and in stages. During the addiction and recovery, a person may feel alone or overly burdened. It's important to lace the burden of healing onto the Lord. God doesn't give people more than they can be expected to handle. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) Furthermore, the Lord offers peace of mind, which produces a glad heart and reason to rejoice. Most importantly, the Lord provides hope, inspiration and guidance. Be it emotional, mental, or physical healing; the Lord is central to any drug rehabilitation centers effectiveness. In other words, God will guide the sufferer through difficult times.

An individual, family member or friend must first recognize the symptoms of a substance abuse problem to get the healing process started. Some drug rehabilitation centers have potential clients fill out a questionnaire to help determine whether or not inpatient treatment is required. Heavy drug use may be causing money problems or has caused a person to lose a job. Dependency causes marriage or family problems. Substance addictions are strong. Therefore, a strong support system is needed to keep the individual from returning to drug use after treatment is completed. Willpower generally isn't strong enough to ward off the powerful craving for drugs. So, drug rehabilitation centers play an important role in treatment. Some people who seek treatment at drug rehab facilities may find the cost prohibitive. Costs will vary greatly, but inpatient rehabilitation programs can be very expensive. For example, a 30-day program at one center costs more than $24,000. A 90-day treatment program is priced at $42,000. Some centers need a significant down payment before treatment can begin. A person who has recently lost a job because of a drug problem may no longer have any kind of insurance to pay the costs. Fortunately, there are other treatment options available that cost less. A person's individual needs will determine which program is best.

Outpatient treatment at a drug and alcohol treatment center is a good option for many that have addictions. If struggling with an addiction, take the first step, ask for help. Sometimes people think that they can overcome drug or alcohol addiction on their own, that they can quit any time they want. This is usually not the case. After drinking for 20 years or more, thinking that stopping cold turkey is possible, is probably what the experts refer to as denial. Maybe abstinence can last for a short while, but without help it's all too easy to reach for that bottle again. Addiction is usually a way to escape pain, however, without getting to the source of that pain and dealing with it, relapse is inevitable. There are many centers across the country, in just about every neck of the woods. People that want to get help from professionals to overcome this sickness are on the right track. Maybe commitment to an in house drug and alcohol treatment center is not necessary, possibly treatment can be sought out as an outpatient.

Growing up in a home where alcohol and drugs are commonplace blinds one into thinking this is normal. The chances of a child picking up the habit at a young age is extremely high. Addictions are very easy to establish as drugs, including alcohol, can eliminate pain. However, after a while, it doesn't work as well as it originally did, so increasing the dosages is inevitable. The effects now wear off sooner, because the body has now adjusted to the drug, it ceases making the neural chemicals it used to. Now, the only way to feel good is to self medicate. A vicious cycle is established. However, there is help out there. Admit the problem, contact a drug and alcohol treatment center. Just contacting outpatient treatment professionals to see what type of programs they offer can help begin the process of healing.

Talk about getting help with loved ones. Often, confiding in others can give the support that is needed to beat the problem. Ask God to help in this venture, the more likely the success. With many prayers, people and God can help out with outpatient treatment. "He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him." (Psalms 91:15) How wonderful this is, knowing that God will help as well as any help obtained from a drug and alcohol treatment center!